Russia discusses Syria peace settlement with opposition’s al-Hariri

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov discussed options for a peace settlement in Syria with Syrian opposition leader Nasra al-Hariri, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

The foreign ministry said it stressed the need to establish dialogue between the Syrian government and the “constructive” opposition.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said he had told US officials earlier this week that Moscow is concerned over signs that the United States is preparing new strikes on Syria and warned against “groundless and illegal aggression against Syria”.

Antonov met this week with US officials, including James Jeffrey, special representative for Syria, the Russia Embassy said in a posting on its Facebook page.